Dempster no Dumpster

I'm not really sure how Ryan Dempster got the nickname "Dumpster" last year. I imagine it was probably some drunk kid at the Cubby Bear (only because Hi-Tops is now closed) that slurringly mispoke to the delight of his equally drunken friends. It doesn't take much for lame jokes to spread like wild fire in Wrigleyville.

Tonight against the Braves I hope that Dempster has finally shed his undeserved nickname (Kerry Wood already has more blown saves this season than Dempster had all of last year and speaking ill of Wood will still get you booed out of many a Northside pub). Not only is Dempster a consistent winner (he's perfect at Wrigley thus far), but he's just proven he's capable of throwing a complete game. Now, if only he could win for us on the road....

On a sadder note, Soriano has found his way to the DL and not for that nagging leg injury we've all been worrying about. Just when it seemed like Soriano was getting himself back up to speed, he was hit in the wrist by a pitch, breaking a bone in his hand. Word on the street is he'll be out for at least 6 weeks.

Hoffpauir is expected to be brought back up early from the Farm League to take his place, which personally takes a significant edge off Fonzie's injury. Don't get me wrong, not loving believing in the playing ability of Soriano is like saying Fukudome doesn't wait for his pitch, but I was sad to see Hoffpauir go down when he was hitting so well and more than look forward to his return.

Get well soon, Fonzie! Hopefully, the Cubbies will still be the winningest team in baseball when you return.